Who we are
Asthma and Allergy Foundation, established in 2009, is Scotland’s only dedicated Asthma Charity improving the quality life and the health of adults and children living with asthma in Scotland and the rest of UK.
The Charity provides evidence-based health information, confidential advice, and practical support to adults and children with asthma, their families, and carers across the UK. The organisation also provides CPD Accredited and ISO 9001 Certified Asthma Training to businesses, schools & universities and healthcare professionals.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation, established in 2009, is Scotland’s only dedicated Asthma Charity improving the quality life and the health of adults and children living with asthma in Scotland and the rest of UK.
The Charity provides evidence-based health information, confidential advice, and practical support to adults and children with asthma, their families, and carers across the UK. The organisation also provides CPD Accredited and ISO 9001 Certified Asthma Training to businesses, schools & universities and healthcare professionals.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation, established in 2009, is Scotland’s only dedicated Asthma Charity improving the quality life and the health of adults and children living with asthma in Scotland and the rest of UK.
The Charity provides evidence-based health information, confidential advice, and practical support to adults and children with asthma, their families, and carers across the UK. The organisation also provides CPD Accredited and ISO 9001 Certified Asthma Training to businesses, schools & universities and healthcare professionals.
Our Mission
We want a Scotland where adults, children and young people with asthma can live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. We focus on long term wellbeing, and we fight for every breath through our “Prevention First” approach by increasing early intervention and support to reduce the burden of asthma on families and build thriving communities.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation is supported by Trusts and Foundations, sponsors, partners, and individuals from all walks of life and different backgrounds.
To achieve our goals, we have implemented a Quality Management System (QMS) complying with the international standard ISO 9001:2015.
You can read our Quality Policy by clicking on the button below.
Governance
Asthma and Allergy Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees. Each Board member brings a wealth of experience and range of skills to support the on-going development of Asthma and Allergy Foundation.
The organisation is supported by an Advisory Committee. This ranges from independent clinical advisers, Dr Miller and Dr Chris, respiratory consultants at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Asthma Clinic, and Prof Steve Turner who is a lead clinician in paediatric asthma, Scottish Research lead on asthma, and part of the team who develop UK Asthma Guidelines. Our independent clinical advisers ensures all the health information the charity produce comply with current guidelines, is evidence-based and best in class. Other advisory committee members support the organisation with expert advice on HR and Employment Law, Safeguarding, Corporate Governance & Legal Compliance, Fundraising and Business Development.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation’s Board and management team are also supported by a number of Ambassadors, Patrons and other committed volunteers who provide support with fundraising, campaigning, marketing, and public relations.
All Board Members, Advisory Committee and Ambassadors volunteer their time to work with us, and we are extremely grateful to them for their continued support and commitment to the work of Asthma and Allergy Foundation.
Board of Trustees
We thrive on the diversity, strengths, skills and experiences of the people who are a part of Asthma and Allergy Foundation, whether as trustees, advisers, ambassadors, staff, or volunteers. When people become a part of Asthma and Allergy Foundation, we ensure that they understand our work, become engaged with our lifesaving work and feel empowered to achieve its goals.
AAF Board is responsible for the Governance and strategic direction of the Foundation, ensure the organisation is legally compliant and continue to meet its charitable test. Responsible for the finances and future sustainability of the organisation. Scrutinise, challenge, advice and support the CEO & her SMT, as well as holding the CEO & SMT accountable for decisions taken by the Board.
AAF Team
We have a small and committed team of paid staff with great expertise targeting different aspects of our work. The vast majority of our team are unpaid volunteers, some who have lost relatives to asthma, and simply cannot bear to see people with asthma go through another asthma attack or die needlessly, because 90% of asthma deaths are preventable.
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, Chief Executive Officer
C-Suite Executive and visionary leader with over 20 years’ expertise spanning public health, higher education governance, and the energy sector. Currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, Scotland’s only dedicated asthma and allergy charity, and former Lord Rector and Head of the University of Aberdeen.
Martina brings a proven track record in Health Advocacy & Policy, Governance & Leadership, Strategic & Financial Management, Public Engagement and Fundraising. She is passionate about transforming systems, empowering communities, and shaping organisations that drive real-world impact.
Vicki McGrain Rae – Head of Services & Health Promotion
As the Head of Services and Health Promotion, Vicki McGrain Rae brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team. A trained nurse and midwife, Vicki has dedicated decades to providing lifesaving care to patients within the NHS. Her commitment to improving health outcomes and supporting individuals with asthma and allergies drives our mission to deliver exceptional care and resources to our community.
Pam Cumming, Health Promotion Manager
With over 30 years of experience in education, Pam has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and fostering resilience through a wide range of engaging workshops. From her early days at the University of Aberdeen to her current work, Pam’s passion for education has impacted the lives of many.
As Health Promotion Manager, Pam’s mission is simple: to raise awareness, educate, and save lives. Drawing from her own personal experiences with asthma and allergies, she brings a unique, relatable perspective to her workshops. Whether in schools, community hubs, libraries, churches, or sports facilities, Pam delivers vital sessions on asthma and allergy management empowering others to potentially save lives.
Philip Ihaza, Manager, Global Projects & Partnerships, Media and Comms
Philip brings over 15 years of experience in media and project management within the tech and data industry. He is passionate about using his skills to drive meaningful change and improve lives through the charity.
Stephen Tetteh Nakote, Project Coordinator
Stephen is the Project Coordinator at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. He joined the Foundation as a community engagement volunteer in 2022 and was appointed Project Coordinator in 2023. He coordinates projects across Scotland, supports Health Promotion team, manage volunteers, mentor university students on placement, and provides administrative and financial support. He also hosts the Breathe Better Scotland radio show on shmuFM. Stephen is a trained Energy Transition Engineer with an MSc in Energy Transition Systems and Technologies from the University of Aberdeen and brings a systems-thinking approach to the Foundation’s work.
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike
Chief Executive Officer
Vicki McGrain Rae
Head of Services & Health Promotion
Pamela Cumming
Health Promotion Manager
Philip Ihaza
Global Projects & Partnerships, Media and Comms
Stephen Tetteh Nakote
Project Coordinator
Ambassadors
Our committed Ambassadors play a crucial role in championing the work of the organisation, confidently speak with industry leaders and businesses to make introductions, seek sponsorships, donations and investments for the charity to continue the provision of life-saving work to adults and children with asthma. Advice and support the Chief Executive Officer with fundraising to drive the work of the organisation to increase its reach and impact.
Denis Pinto
Leading oil and gas industry figure. He is a leading flow measurement and hydrocarbon allocations expert who was chairman of the Aberdeen, Highlands and Islands Branch of the Energy Institute. He developed the Energy Institute’s Young Professional Network and is helping young members in the organisation’s UK and international branches.
Dr Adekunle Adeyemi
NHS Grampian GP with special interest in respiratory conditions. Dr Adeyemi has worked within the NHS for over 12 years, a truly dedicated medical professional. He doesn’t only sit in the board, he joins staff in delivering asthma management workshop to service users.
Sarah Unigwe
Sarah brings over a decade experience of working in the third sector.
Dr Funmi Oliyide
A GP who is passionate about supporting people with asthma.
Leadership Team
We have a small and committed team of paid staff with great expertise targeting different aspects of our work. The vast majority of our team are unpaid volunteers, some who have lost relatives to asthma, and simply cannot bear to see people with asthma go through another asthma attack or die needlessly, because 90% of asthma deaths are preventable.
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, Chief Executive Officer
An experienced C-Suite Executive and visionary leader with over 20 years’ expertise spanning public health, higher education governance, and the energy sector. Currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, Scotland’s only dedicated asthma and allergy charity, and former Lord Rector and Head of the University of Aberdeen.
Martina brings a proven track record in Health Advocacy & Policy, Governance & Leadership, Strategic & Financial Management, Public Engagement and Fundraising. She is passionate about transforming systems, empowering communities, and shaping organisations that drive real-world impact.
Vicki McGrain Rae – Head of Services & Health Promotion.
As the Head of Services and Health Promotion, Vicki McGrain Rae brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team. A trained nurse and midwife, Vicki has dedicated decades to providing lifesaving care to patients within the NHS. Her commitment to improving health outcomes and supporting individuals with asthma and allergies drives our mission to deliver exceptional care and resources to our community.
Pam Cumming, Health Promotion Manager
With over 30 years of experience in education, Pam has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and fostering resilience through a wide range of engaging workshops. From her early days at the University of Aberdeen to her current work, Pam’s passion for education has impacted the lives of many.
As Health Promotion Manager, Pam’s mission is simple: to raise awareness, educate, and save lives. Drawing from her own personal experiences with asthma and allergies, she brings a unique, relatable perspective to her workshops. Whether in schools, community hubs, libraries, churches, or sports facilities, Pam delivers vital sessions on asthma and allergy management empowering others to potentially save lives.
Philip Ihaza, Manager, Global Projects & Partnerships, Media and Comms
Philip brings over 15 years of experience in media and project management within the tech and data industry. He is passionate about using his skills to drive meaningful change and improve lives through the charity.
Stephen Tetteh Nakote, Project Coordinator
Stephen is the Project Coordinator at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. He joined the Foundation as a community engagement volunteer in 2022 and was appointed Project Coordinator in 2023. He coordinates projects across Scotland, supports Health Promotion team, manage volunteers, mentor university students on placement, and provides administrative and financial support. He also hosts the Breathe Better Scotland radio show on shmuFM. Stephen is a trained Energy Transition Engineer with an MSc in Energy Transition Systems and Technologies from the University of Aberdeen and brings a systems-thinking approach to the Foundation’s work.
Ambassadors
Our committed Ambassadors play a crucial role in championing the work of the organisation, confidently speak with industry leaders and businesses to make introductions, seek sponsorships, donations and investments for the charity to continue the provision of life-saving work to adults and children with asthma. Advice and support the Chief Executive Officer with fundraising to drive the work of the organisation to increase its reach and impact.
